WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Hospitals could lose tens of billions of dollars for failing to comply with the federal mandate.
- Hospitals could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines if they fire workers over vax status.
- Hospital Association says the issue is likely headed to the courts but is advising hospitals to comply with federal law.
- Hospitals are already short-staffed and responding to the Omicron surge.
Jacksonville hospitals are stuck between a rock and a hard place now that the federal vaccine mandate for health care workers has taken effect.
If health care workers didn’t receive at least one jab before Thursday, hospitals could lose tens of billions of dollars in Medicaid and Medicare funding from the federal government, but complying with the federal mandate will open up hospitals to fines here in Florida.
Last year Florida lawmakers passed a ban on vaccine mandates that included the health care industry.
For every employee fired, hospitals could receive a fine as high as $50,000.
“Hospitals do not want to be caught between the state government and the federal government,” said Mary Mayhew, President of the Florida Hospital Association.
Mayhew said ultimately the courts will likely decide which policy can stand.
“But in the meantime, hospitals are certainly obligated to comply with the Medicare program to preserve access to care for millions of Floridians,” said Mayhew.
It’s yet to be seen if the state will follow through with its mandate ban.
The Governor ignored our question this afternoon, but his office did respond to an emailed inquiry.
“State law still stands, and hospitals must comply with state law. The state of Florida will not be enforcing compliance with the Biden Administration’s unscientific and harmful mandate for health care workers,” said DeSantis Press Secretary Christina Pushaw.
We reached out to St. Vincent’s, UF Health, Baptist, Memorial and Mayo Clinic here locally.
Mayo Clinic, UF Health and Baptist Health both told us they’re awaiting further guidance.
Statewide FHA estimates between 95 and 98 percent of Florida health care workers are vaccinated.
Mayhew said that means thousands of jobs are on the line at a time when the industry is already short-staffed and still responding to the Omicron surge.
“And frankly, one nurse that isn’t available to be at the hospital is challenging,” said Mayhew.
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